“Given the less than ideal circumstances, we think that this election schedule is a workable solution that will create the least confusion for the voters,” said Texas Democratic Party chairman Boyd Richie. “We’re pleased that the agreement maintains a unified primary which will save taxpayers money.”

Texas Republican Party chairman Steve Munisteri echoed Richie’s sentiments and added: “We are hopeful that with both a timely ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court and subsequent finalized maps, that this agreement not only preserves the original structure of a unified primary, but provides us enough time to accomplish it in a fair and orderly fashion.

The agreement was sent to the three judge panel in San Antonio earlier this morning, where it is expected to be approved sometime later today.

More details on the calendar:

Feb 1: Candidates must establish residency to run for the Texas House or Senate when second filing period opens

Feb 1: Second candidate filing period closes. The second filing period will open whenever the interim maps for the 2012 election are established.

Feb 3: New deadline for county officials to conduct drawing for ballot positions

April 3: New date for all primary elections

April 14 or 21: Date of county or senatorial district conventions as established.